Last Updated on February 17, 2024
Across ages, women have always chosen Sarees over anything. Thus, in this modern age of climate conservation and sustainable goals, the choices of saree fabrics should have more environmental responsibility. Sarees for women are an evergreen choice. A resurgence in sustainable fashion is currently happening — the roots are considered very traditional.
The Tradition of Sarees: A Sustainable Legacy
Intergenerational craftsmanship goes behind the intricate enhancements of sarees for women.
Such dedicated creation is rooted in the ancient Indian tradition. History has witnessed the Indian sarees for women being weaved out of natural fibres like cotton, silk, linen and handwoven khadi. This is where sustainability returns to its traditional roots, as all the techniques and products manufactured were handmade using organic materials. The eco-friendly approach of Indian craftsmanship existed way before the contemporary environment consciousness.
Challenges in Modern Saree Production
It is nothing new that the clothing industry produces huge waste around the manufacturing and transportation areas. Moreover, mass manufacturing processes result in the emission of harmful chemicals and water wastage/pollution. Creating non-biodegradable fabrics, such as polyester, leads to irreversible environmental damage and degradation!
So, what is the way out?
Innovations Towards Women Saree Sustainability
1. Revival of Handloom Techniques
Weavers are returning to the organic, biodegradable, minimal energy-consuming methods of saree production. This primal move helps preserve their golden craftsmanship and empowers local manual weavers. One greener decision towards women saree parallels producing a healthier environment and boosting the common man’s economy.
2. Adoption of Natural Dyes
A greener ecosystem is possible when there is an increase in the usage of natural dyes for saree printing. Thankfully, the Indian Weavers have already started using these natural colors for sarees printing. These dyes are extracted from plants, fruits, and minerals and thus are free from chemicals.
3. Eco-friendly Fabrics
Acceptance towards more sustainable fabrics such as bamboo silk might sound derailed from the traditional art of saree weaving. Still, the modern-day weavers have made these new-age material sarees look unidentifiably similar to their alternatives. Fabric choices like organic cotton and Tencel are getting increasing recognition and acceptance with every waking day.
All these materials are fully biodegradable; they are mostly devoid of chemicals and pesticides — thus, they are significantly less harmful than conventional fabrics. The mental shift towards sustainable fashion amongst the current generation is noteworthy.
4. Upcycling and Recycling
Fabric scraps are not meant for pile-ups and thrown into trash bins; there is ALWAYS an option for repurposing. Oftentimes, we simply throw away sarees, and upcycling is a far better alternative, isn’t it? However, this is not something very new.
Didn’t we always have those ladies who came door-to-door with new buckets and utensils, exchanging them for used clothes?! It is becoming highly necessary to reduce the carbon footprint around textile production.
Embracing Sustainable Choices as Consumers
Consumers must be responsible for the consumption options provided in this modern world.
Ideally, one should have some moral grounds before consuming certain unsustainable fashion that will lead to a lot of carbon footprint.
- One should support brands that solely prioritize sustainability and produce through ethical practices (as per standards).
- Handloom sarees online made through organic practices should be the primary choice.
- Before believing any advertisement, there should always be a layer of personal research on the consumer’s part. The research must include information about the sourcing and manufacturing of the sarees, and thereafter, the consumer should make an informed choice.
- One can opt for timeless pieces of sarees online to wear over a long period. This ensures less textile waste and responsible, sustainable consumption.